Navy Reserve Requirements

by Faizah Imani, Demand Media

By joining the Reserve, you have the ability to serve your country while still living the civilian life. The Navy Reserve is made up of more than 65,000 sailors around the globe, as of 2012. You can transition to the Navy reserve from any branch of the military, as long as you follow the required protocol. You can also join the reserve without prior military experience.

Basic Requirements to Join

To join the Navy Reserve, you must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18 and 39. If you plan to join the reserve as an enlisted member, you need a high school diploma. To join as an officer, you need a four-year college degree. All Navy Reserve members are required to participate in weekend drills one weekend per month. Each weekend drill consists of 16 training hours. You are also required to participate in a two-week-long advanced training course once per year. In most cases, all drills take place at the Navy Reserve unit closest to you.

Current Service Requirements

If you are currently serving on active duty in any branch of the military, you can join the reserves only once your current enlistment is up. If the branch you are serving in is the Navy, you can request an early discharge and transition into the Reserve through the Navy Veteran program, or NAVET. If you are a member of another military branch, transition into the Reserve under the Other Service Veteran program, or OSVET. You must request an early discharge before doing so.

Prior Service Requirements

If you are a military veteran desiring to serve in the Navy Reserve, you must be able to complete 20 years of reserve service before your 60th birthday. A Navy recruiter can complete the administrative processing and fit you for a uniform. Present the recruiter with a copy of your DD – 214. Boot camp is not required for those joining under the NAVET or OSVET programs.

No-Service Requirements

If you have no prior military experience, you must meet all of the basic requirements. You must take and pass a physical examination, and your height must be between 60 and 80 inches. You must take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. If you are joining as an enlisted member, you are required to complete a nine-week boot camp. If you are joining as an officer, you must complete a 12-day Direct Commission Officer course.

Deployment

When joining the Navy Reserve, there is always the possibility of deployment. Whether or not you are deployed depends upon the occupational specialties that are needed for service, as well as which operational units are needed. All Reserve members are required to be ready for deployment at all times. If you are joining under the NAVET program, you can request a guaranteed deferral of deployment for the first two years you are in the Reserve.

About the Author

Faizah Imani, an educator, minister and published author, has worked with clients such as Harrison House Author, Thomas Weeks III, Candle Of Prayer Company and "Truth & Church Magazine." Her dossier includes JaZaMM WebDesigns, assistant high-school band director, district manager for the Clarion Ledger and event coordinator for the Vicksburg Convention Center.

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